When I was growing up, there was a family sitcom that aired each Friday evening that families everywhere would be sure not to miss. Maybe you remember that show - “Full House.” It was a show, unlike most today, that the entire family could gather around and enjoy. One character on the show, by the name of “Uncle Jesse,” had a catchphrase that you were sure to hear at least once a week - “Have mercy!”

“Full House” wasn’t a Christian sitcom, but those words are taken straight from the Bible, and they are wise words for us to heed today. In Matthew 5:7 (ESV), Jesus encouraged his followers with these words: ““Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”

Being merciful means extending mercy to anyone in need of mercy, offering forgiveness to the one who needs forgiveness, or giving help to those who are in need. Being merciful is the outward expression of hungering after righteousness (Matt. 5:6).

God showed us mercy, even while we were still sinners (Eph. 2:4-5). We didn’t deserve it, but He offered it anyway. Furthermore, the Scriptures tell us that when we show mercy to others, we are imitating Christ - and that, after all, is the goal of the Christian life. If you want to obtain the mercy of Christ, both now and in eternity, then show mercy to those around you. “Blessed are the merciful, For they shall receive mercy” (Matthew 5:7, ESV).

About the Author

Pastor Wes Johnson has been at Harvest Baptist Church since 2011.He has a heart for the local church and a passion for expositional preaching.A bi-vocational pastor, he lives in La Grange, NC with his wife, Charity, their daughter Nora Grace, and two rescue pups, PeeDee & Bear.